Phoenix “fro-yo” lovers can fear no more: a new frozen yogurt shop, Yogurt Time, opened on March 19. It occupies the empty space near First and Washington streets after similar business Yogurtini closed.
The new frozen yogurt joint is planning to do things differently than the former occupant, Yogurtini, to ensure their goal to become a “downtown hangout,” store manager Sam Evans said.
Evans, who worked at Yogurtini, said the newly opened Yogurt Time has changed up the store’s interior and plans to make future additions in order to create a “nice, chill and positive atmosphere for downtown people to enjoy.”
“Yogurtini was kind of plain,” Evans said. “But I’m liking what we’re doing with the place now — it’s a lot more up-to-date with technology and looks a lot cooler.”
Evans said the new changes include a TV monitor, new flavors and toppings, decorative sleek black, carbon-fiber-like material above the self-serve machines and a giant nighttime photograph of downtown Phoenix on the store’s walls.
27-year-old criminology student Jack White said he hadn’t noticed many changes to the new store, but “the vibe felt different than the last, more relaxed.”
During her visit to the new location, Arizona lawyer Ruth Carter, 33, only had positive things to say about the business.
“It’s a great concept — yogurt plus toppings, weigh it and then enjoy yourself,” Carter said. “I’m also really impressed by some of the flavors of their yogurts.”
Carter said Yogurt Time’s product lacked the “yogurt-y and chemical-like taste” that Carter sometimes tastes in frozen yogurt.
“That’s why I’m not really a big fan of frozen yogurt, but anyone that doesn’t have those tastes is great in my book. The milk chocolate is really good.”
In addition to the classic milk chocolate, vanilla and plain tart flavors, Yogurt Time also features other flavors, including: Orange Sorbet, Birthday Cake Batter, Mint, Cheesecake, Cookies and Cream and Red Velvet.
According to Carter, Yogurt Time also provides another bonus to downtown Phoenix drivers: validated parking.
Evans said Yogurt Time also has plans to make more changes to the store in the future.
“We want to fence in the patio area outside, make it dog-friendly, and put another TV monitor out there as well,” Evans said. “We will also hopefully have specials, like 10 percent off with a student ID, to incorporate the ASU community more.”
As Carter finished up her visit, tossing her yogurt cup into the trash, she reaffirmed her positive review of the shop. “I don’t know if it’s really different than before, but it’s still the same great concept being well executed.”
Contact the reporter at zhillenb@asu.edu
